James Tamou contract: Penrith captain could quit Panthers for season 2021
He’s the captain and one of the key players who have helped turn Penrith from pretenders to contenders, but off-contract star James Tamou is set to rock the NRL ladder leaders.
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James Tamou has put himself on the open market with the Panthers captain revealing his last NRL deal may not be with Penrith.
In a statement that will have cashed-up clubs knocking down his door, Tamou admitted his glittering career could finish at a rival club with the man that has led the Panthers to the top of the table declaring he is “open to offers”.
“I will still be at my best for another couple of seasons,” Tamou said.
“And I will look at everything that is put in front of me.”
Coming off contract at the end of this year, Tamou, 31, will give Penrith first shot at signing him to what could be his final deal.
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“I have loved being the leader and captain of this club,” Tamou said.
“And my first choice is to stay. I have four young kids and they are all settled in the area so I would love to stay in Penrith. But as I have gotten older and wiser, I have realised that sometimes things don’t work out that way. But Penrith will be my first choice.”
Set to go to war with the Sea Eagles’ pack on Saturday when Penrith resume their premiership assault, Tamou declared he will go on for at least another two years following a barnstorming 2020 season where he has played arguably the best football of his 11-year NRL career.
The former Australian Test star has run more metres than every other Penrith forward except for James Fisher-Harris this year to spearhead the Panthers’ charge to the top of the ladder.
“The end is nearing but I still have a fair bit left,” Tamou said.
“I know I still have plenty to offer because of the way I am feeling and the way I am playing. I wouldn’t be putting myself out there to play on If I knew I wasn’t going to be at my best. I won’t be one of those players that goes a year too long. I will be able to give my best.”
Tamou said becoming a leader had inspired him to become arguably the best footballer he has ever been.
“I am pretty happy with the way it is all going,” Tamou said.
“I would say at this age it is the best I have been. I am a bit older and the leadership role suits me.
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“I know what my job is. I am better in a way because of that. I have a team-first mentally and it brings the best out in me personally.”
Tamou is looking forward to locking horns with Addin Fonua-Blake and Marty Taupau at Lottoland on Saturday.
“The Sea Eagles are always tough at their fortress,” Tamou said.
“They have some big boys that we will have to stand up to but we are ready for the job. I am expecting a gritty game and we all need to be ready to front up and do our jobs. We will have our hands full against their middle third, especially with Fonua-Blake and Marty Taupau.”
Originally published as James Tamou contract: Penrith captain could quit Panthers for season 2021